The National’s plan to let Teddy Roosevelt win the presidents race Wednesday was one of the most poorly kept secrets in Washington history. The team promoted the event for a week, even bought ads in the newspaper; yet many Teddy fans, having been burned in the past, remained skeptical.

Before Wednesday’s historic race even took place, rumors were flying around Nationals Park about not just a victory for Teddy, but about the team’s plans for the 26th president after the celebration was over.

Will the Nats retire Teddy?

Nobody would speak on the record, but the story was consistent from employees working all corners of the Park: The Nats would let Teddy Roosevelt win, then retire him and replace him with a new racing president in 2013 — possibly John F. Kennedy.

Sounds downright heretical to me. In the meantime, Teddy fans are hoping to see more victories as the Nationals host their first home playoff game next Wednesday.

Speaking of retirement, one question that’s been pouring in from all corners is “What happens to LetTeddyWin.com?” On that there is no discussion. As long as the readers keep coming, we’ll keep writing.

I smell a cover-up. Teddy wins, with clear assistance from the Philadelphia mascot, and now speculation is building they will rush him into retirement? Uh huh. Conspiracy theorists will have a field day with this one.